A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

February 17, 2019

The Stars Come Out for Twofer and CAS WCCC!

Hello Stamplings!

I've made you a coupla reminder challenge cards for the blog today and I thought while I was at it, I'd remind you that you're low on Almond Milk. Oh, wait. I don't think we're sposed to call it that anymore since it's not really milk, you know, from mammals. So please make sure you pick up JOAN (Juice of Almond Nuts) for breakfast tomorrow.

Ready? Here we go! 
I used a Sizzix large star die on both designs and went unconventional for one of them for the Twofer Card Challenge. Conventional or unconventional, I would so love to see your two designs for two different occasions using the same STAR stamp, die, or stencil over at Twofer Card Challenge #13! You have until the end of day on February 24, 2019 to play.

Here's a closeup of my unconventional baby card:
Well, the baby card isn't unconventional, but the use of the STAR die is. I've had this adorable little baby shoe sticker in my stash since I first started stamping and the star pp is also ancient from my stash. The card is pretty self-exploratory. I used one leg of the star die for the window latch and a sweet covered dot for the knob. When the little window is opened ...
... you see a cute stamp from Papertrey Ink. Thaz it. QACAS and a little something different.

My Twofer:
My twofer design uses all the legs of the star die as well as the body, as nature intended. And since this post is also a reminder to you of the ongoing CAS Watercolour Card Challenge, I used red and pink to watercolor the white heat-embossed NBUS stamp from MFT called, "Floral Fantasy Background." I believe the die I used for my hidden letters spelling FRIEND is also from MFT. The striped paper is from my stash and the sediment is from WPlus9's "Birthday Wishes" set.

I'd like to thank the entire Design Team at CAS Watercolour Card Challenge for having me as a Guest Designer for February! I'm loving all the wonderful red and pink designs in the gallery and I hope you can join in before the challenge closes on February 24th!
 
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I'm playing in:

RRCB 104
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Epilog

I find these full frontal background stamps fascinating to heat emboss on colored card, so while I had the Floral Fantasy stamp out, I had fun embossing it in gold, silver, and platinum e/p onto various colored card. Here's a collage of some of the cards I made from my play.
You have to admit, it's very versa tile for coming up with lots of design ideas. I tried to turn each card into the light to show you the magnificent shine. These designs also allowed me to use several NBUS stamps and dies. Whoop!

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Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!

*Life is too short!

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61 comments:

Redanne said...

I am just marveling here at your idea for the beautiful baby card, I love interactive cards and the star window idea is brilliant, you are so clever!! The hidden word on your star card is so effective, I really must try that sometime. The bird card in your epilogue is also beautiful, but then, all your cards are beautiful (or funny). Big hugs, Annie xxx

Redanne said...

Ha! I don't think I have ever been first - yay!!!

Tina Z. said...

Wow, you are on turbo speed, so many ideas and cards ... I am totally amazed.
Crafty hugs xx

Gerrina said...

I would never come up with stars for a baby card; great twofer again!
And wow you were on a rols; so many so beautiful cards you made during your "play-time"! Enjoy the sunday, hope you have sunshine too...

Ros Crawford said...

You have been so busy!! What fabulous cards each and every one and you are guest designing! Makes me happy seeing your cards!! Have a lovely Sunday!

ionabunny said...

Fab cards Darnell. Love how you just used one point of the star and the cute little brad. Your collage of cards are so cool. Re almond milk..... you appeal to my inner scientist. It is super incorrect to refer to it as JOAN, since nuts do not have juice. They have fat. When you take fat and agitate it in water then you get an emulsion, in this case fat suspended in water, which gives you that classic white fluid, which for convenience we call milk. Whether the suspended fat is of animal or vegetable origin I see no reason to refer to it as anything other than milk. Cow, goat, human or nut. If you are really interested, and I sure you are jumping up and down in suspenders, there are other common emulsions such as paint, which are all made on the same principal, tiny bitty small particles of something suspended in a suitable liquid. So ends the lesson for the day. Ha ha ha. Have a wonderful Sun Day. Hugz

ionabunny said...

I had to go back for a second look. I really love that bird card. It is so elegant. Hugz

Pat said...

I love your sweet baby card Darnell, and the leg of the star as a latch for door to the lovely sentiment is inspired! I love the pretty pink and red embossed star against the grey and white paper background and the great hidden sentiment within the star too, and adore all the different ways you have used the same stamp, including the beautiful bird die cut out of the card with the stamp used behind, but they are all really stunning...how busy you have been! x

Donna said...

Your star cards are beautiful, and your collection of floral fantasy backgrounds is amazing!

Bonnie said...

What a creative use of the star die! I would never have thought to use it as a handle to open the little message! Brilliant design, my friend! On the second, great minds etc.. I love that background stamp and all the creative ways you've used it. I may have to go look for that...Thanks so much for joining our team at CAS Watercolour this month!

Jean said...

THat baby card is just perfect!! Will have to remember you trick!

Off to the grocery store, but don't think I need milk of any kind:)

Loll said...

Fun way to use part of your star die on your baby card, Dolly! Very creative and so jun to open the "door" and see the lovely sentiment. Sweet! And your large star with the floral fantasy white embossed and wateercoloured ... gorgeous! LOVE that stamp and need to buy one for myself! :) Great array of cards using this amazing background. Looks like you had lots of fun trying it in different embossed colours. Thanks again for being our Guest Designer at CAS Watercolour! Lolly xx

Cat Craig said...

Your unconventional card is so brilliant. (Bowing) Such a fun and smart option. I also love all the variations you came up with for your floral fantasy backgrounds. Sometimes just playing results in fab stuff as it did here for you. Enjoy whats left of the weekend.

Nora Noll said...

Now that unconventional way to use the star is just so CLEVER!!! I am loving all the beautiful cards you created with the floral fantasy. I have been trying (and the word is trying!!) to use the things I have bought multiple times before putting it away. Sometimes it might mean my designs are not so clever but at least I am using it!! GREAT take on the challenge!

cuilliesocks said...

My goodness Darnell, you have been busy creating, your cards are quite beautiful. Such lovely designs and wonderful colours, Kate x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Amazing both, Darnell! Love the way you used the big star, and also the paper of the conventional one is just unconventional :D and so pretty!!!!
I'm impressed by the gorgeous bird on the fabulous stamped background, wow, it's so striking!!
Hugs!

Happy Dance said...

Double the fun with those star cards, Darnell. Why didn't I think to use an arm of a star as a latch?! Very cool idea. Sweet baby card, too! LOVE that floral star card even more. So many interesting details on it, and the colors are amazing. Gorgeous! As for your octet of freakin' incredible cards, well, they are beyond cool. Waaayyyy. Each one looks elegant and lovely, but I have to say that the bird has really made a lasting impression. CAS and lovely. You go girl!!! xoxo Missing you. Bev

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, I love the cards. Really like the star one. The colours are fab.

Hope you've had a nice weekend. Sue

Kara Lynne said...

Fabulous twofer, Darnell! The leg of the star is the perfect shape with the starry background, and I love that little pair of baby shoes! Your pink and coral florals look amazing against the white and grey stripes! I love your array of embossed backgrounds, and each one is truly gorgeous!

Christine Alexander said...

fabulous selection of cards Darnell, love those full frontals gorgeous.
Your baby card is so sweet you aced the star cards :)

Sharron said...

Fabulous and creative Twofer designs! The baby card is precious (love those shoes!) and using part of the star as a latch is so clever. The design and pretty colors of the large star look wonderful against the gray and white stripes. And your embossed backgrounds are amazing! Your cards are all gorgeous!!

conil said...

First off, how did you ever find enough light to photograph all these amazing cards? I'm so green with envy.
Second, each card is really cleverly done. That baby card brought a big smile to my face. And the watercolor card is so pretty...looks dyn-o-mite against the patterned paper.
Third, your playtime certainly wasn't wasted. Every card is beautiful...but that bird makes my heart happy.
Fourth...where do you find the time?

Lisa said...

Oh my goodness, they are all so gorgeous!! I love the designs of all of them!! They're so beautiful, Darnell!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Mac Mable said...

Thank you for the collage of fabulous and stunning cards x.
Wonderful twofer cards...I had to look long and hard to find the 'star' in the first cute card, but I got there x.Amazing second card and so love the design and the colours x.

Kathleen said...

What a fabulous selection of cards, great images and designs, great part use of the star and your 'playing cards' are really super.

Kath x

Carol L said...

You are on a serious roll today, wowsah with all these great cards! I like the window on the baby card and all those wonderful embossed beauties too! You've put me to shame as I just came up with an idea for my twofer today - but I have yet to start it..........sigh. Just call me slug these days cuz I move zactly like one!

Sandra H said...

You are as always Darnell so creative l just love this selection of cards you really are very talented sending lots of love x

Marilyn said...

Pretty cards!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Patti J said...

Well, aren't you clever! I'd never have thought to use the star that way! Great cards! Thanks for the inspiration!

Liz said...

You HAVE been busy, Darnell! What a wonderful collection of cards. I must get my skates on and think of a couple of designs for the Twofer challenge. xx

Marcia Hill said...

WOW...you have been a busy beaver in the playhouse Darnell!! Lovely, lovely cards!! Your baby card using just one "leg" of the star die is so cool...your brain see's things mine never does!! :0) And of course I love your red and pink star card for the CAS Watercolour challenge...BEAUTIFUL!! And all the extra's you made while you had the stamp out are FABULOUS and I'm loving all the sparkle and shine! Thanks so much for being our GD this month Darnell...we all truly LOVE having you join us!! Hugs!! :0)

Leslie Miller said...

OMW, that's a lot of stamping! You are way too clever in how you used the star on the baby card (which is adorable, BTW). Beautiful background stamp and it looks different every time. You WOW me, Darnell!

Lisa Elton said...

You've been a busy lady! Love the beautiful floral stamped star and how clever is your baby card. Your metallic cards looks fabulous too. Joan LOL, now every time I pass by the milk aisle, I'll think of you...thanks for that happy thought XO

Cheryl W. said...

Well, I am duly impressed with your productivity! You made a whole passel of pretty cards! Thanks for the star challenge reminder with your ingenious star cards. I actually started mine today and hope to have them posted to the challenge by Tuesday.

Papercraft Boutique said...

It took me while to figure out what die or stamp you used for both cards, Darnell! You're so clever. I'd have never thought of using one leg of the star die for the window latch. A very cute baby card and an artsy friend card. Love the hidden sentiment and the color combo. And You made a beautiful collection of cards using the gorgeous background! Thanks so much for the treat for the eyes!
Hideko xx

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Awesome Darnell
love all
hugs Tamara

kiwimeskreations said...

Wow Darnell you have been busy... what great use of the stamp, and an awesome selection of cards. Love your unconventional use of the star die cut!!
But no mention of Hammy - was he in the Hamster box because of Miss Behavin??
Blessings
Maxine

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

You are so clever with your CAS design's Darnell always presenting a twist in design that makes us examine them even closer. I love tending to the finer details. You have showcased that floral fantasy stamp magnificently, so many ideas with one stamp it's a desert islander for sure!!!
Thank you for sharing them all.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead Hugs Tracey xx

KandA said...

Fabulous twofers Darnell, love the gorgeous colours on the friend star and ingenious way you used the star on the baby card..... And your embossed cards are beautiful xx

frommycraftroom said...

Gorgeous cards. Love the star trick on the baby card. And the embossing is lovely - I must do that more!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Wow, you're spoiling us with so many cards! Grin.
Hugs,
Em xoxo

Linda said...

WOW! Clever thinking with that star die ..... pure genius infact!
Love the collection of embossed beauties too. You've definitely got the week off to a great start xx

Carole said...

Wow!...got me hunting and thinking did the second star card...where has she used that star?...penny droped in the end.....must be my age..hmm! fab designs and you are obviously on auto pilot when it comes to production...can you send me some of what you are on...wink wink..lol!! xx

Bobby said...

I think there's a little too much political correctness going around, Darnell. Actually too much politics too, but that's beside the point. Speaking of point, how clever of you to use the star point as a window latch. Your day of play turned out some mighty fine cards. That's something I want to do but I always get sucked into making cards for a challenge. I have one on my desk just waiting.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful cards and I was so thrilled to see the way you used the point only of a star to make the gorgeous baby card design. That was clever. I had to search a bit and when I found it I loved the idea.

oldpunca said...

Fantastic unconventional use of the star on your baby card, my friend. :-) And amazing design with hidden sentiment. Conventional star has fabulous pattern in a great color combination. I will join the challenge for sure. :-)
I'm admiring your mass production of unique cards. Awesome designs!
Have a nice week!
Hugs, Sonja

JoAnn said...

Wow, what an array of wonderful cards. Love your creative use of the star die. Thanks for sharing with us at Seize the Birthday.

Lindsey said...

So many amazing cards! I didn't notice you saying how long it took you to make all of them, so I really hope this isn't, say, an afternoon's worth. If I can get more than one card made in a day, I'm patting myself on the back! ;) And thanks for linking up your birthday card at Seize the Birthday!

SewPaperPaint said...

What an incredible play day you had! These are all absolutely exquisite and perfect. You have such a beautiful way with color. I wanted to thank you for your kind words concerning our daughter's diagnosis. You really gave me comfort with your sentiments on my blog. Big hugs, Autumn

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Such a fun baby card with the window, Darnell, and perfect star bday card for a friend!! And what a collage of cards with that yummy floral fantasy!!

Jan Clothier said...

Love the contrast of the bold, florally star against the muted stripes. Thank you for playing along with us at Retro Rubber Challenge, Darnell.

wannabcre8tive said...

Darnell, your cards are very pretty. I especially love your card with the baby shoes. It is so adorable.

Karen Dunbrook said...

great cards Darnell, we are so glad you could be our guest this month at the CAS Watercolour Challenge.
xx Karen

Greta said...

Brilliant baby card & love the result of your play session--gorgeous!

Fikreta said...

beautiful cards!

Claire Grantham said...

Awesome twofer my friend, love the clever use of the star 'leg' and the RR entry is just fabulous, the reds and pinks really pop against that background. Thanks for playing along at Retro Rubber. Claire DT

LeAnne said...

Wowza, you've been a busy stamper! These are just delightful! I love how you created your "twofers! Very clever! Thanks for playing with our Retro Rubber challenge this week, too!

Anita in France said...

A star leg for the window opener ... brilliant, Darnell ... and such a cute little welcoming card for a new baby! Your full star is beautiful in that delicious all over floral outfit ... and I do love the camouflaged sentiment set into it! A Twofer triumph, my friend! Your epilogue cards ... wow, aren't they tacspecular with all that luscious shimmer ... such loveliness! Thought I was doing well posting one card the other week ... sooo far to go!! LYAMYHMA ... HYHAWW! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Barb Ghig said...

As always, you have been so creative with your stash, Darnell! Your baby card is darling and I love how you made the hinge to open the door with your star die...very cool! I also love your friendship card! Pink and red is such a pretty color palette, especially with the soft gray stripes in the background! I'm also really impressed with how you played with the Floral Fantasy stamp...you have created a truly gorgeous collection of cards...way to go!

Chris said...

Hi Darnell, just stopping by to thank you for you comment and for following my blog :)
Your Twofer cards are brilliant, I especially like the way you thought outside the box with the baby one!
It is a great challenge, I like the idea of encouraging the use of one stamp/die to create more than one project, good to put the brain in gear sometimes! I plan to join in every month but somehow haven't managed yet...I do actually plan which stamp/die I'm going to use but that's as far as it gets!
Will def. try harder next challenge.
Chris
x

KathyA. said...

I am in awe of your creativity, Darnell. Love the baby card and especially the use of just the star "leg" as a flap. So ingenious. And the background image stamped on dark cardstock are gorgeous. I've been entering cards in your Twofer Challenge for some time, but had not visited your blog. Am going to rectify that oversight starting NOW. Kathy aka myasperations.